You see, he represents a company called Clear (I am in no way affiliated with Clear, this article represents my opinion).  Clear, as James eloquently explained, provides 4g speed mobile broadband that is affordable and unlimited.  For only $55.00 a month, you can get two wireless broadband modems or a combination of thier products.  There is a catch however, clear is a new company, so it may not be in your city yet.  For more information, visit Clear.com.   I believe this is a product worth looking at if you are looking for an affordable wireless solution as a small business owner.

This made me wonder about other inventions that have become a part of business, popular culture and family entertainment, even though they did not exist in the 90s. Here is a list of innovations we believe have changed the way we interact all created in the first decade of the 21st century.

1. The iPod (launched 2003)
Steve Jobs is a genius…the iPod literally revolutionized the way we listen to music on the go. It became the “walkman” of the 21st century. In an effort to embarrass their competitors even more (such as the Zune for instance), they launched better models along the way with mobile media capabilities. The final morph of the ipod became the ipod touch. A WiFi enabled mp3 player, media player and revolutionary application housing machine. “There’s an app for that” is the new reality. The ipod has over 70% of the market and many companies have made lots of money simply by producing ipod apps. They didn’t stop there….

2. The iPhone (launched 2007)
Steve Jobs really is a genius…No one ever thought that an ipod could actually become a telephone as well. Steve Jobs and Apple did. This phone can do everything. It was such a great idea, as readers you already know about it and you are probably reading this article on one!

3. The Nintendo Wii (launched 2006)
The Playstation was the biggest thing since sliced bread when it came out and then Nintendo, in an effort to be competitive and regain market share, went to the woodshed and came out with the greatest family gaming system ever created. The Wii’s ability to mix virtual reality with reality through interactive gaming is unparalleled. Every family member participates in the Wii experience. Their market share is estimated to be between 40% to 50 % of the market. “Wii would like to play!”

4. Netbooks (launched 2007)
It all started with a valiant effort by an organization called One Laptop per Child to provide technology to developing countries through the use of a small laptop called the XO-1 laptop. They pioneered the idea of affordable small computers in my opinion.

Asus decided to offer an inexpensive small laptop for all consumers and started with the EeePc running the linux operating system. They sold this computer for under $400. It sold so well they added a windows version and then every other computer company jumped into the market. Could this be the first disposable laptop since you can get some now for around $325.00.

5. Skype (launched 2003)
Skype changed the way everyone viewed voice over IP technology. They added a chat function and made it free for everyone to use. The free version of Skype includes free long distance to any computer in the world with Skype, an ability to talk using a webcam on both sides of a call allowing individuals to see who they are talking to, and conferencing with multiple users. Skype also added some paid features that allow for an individual to have a phone number and make and receive calls from their computer. Major mobile phone carriers are offering VOIP services, but Skype’s technology is proprietary and closed source. Their longevity is often questioned.

6. Sirius/XM Satellite Radio (launched 2002)
Cable television has been a coveted luxury for the average consumer for years. People are willing to pay a premium every month for extra channels. Could this translate to radio? It did and it became so big that major car companies started offering it as a luxury option. Why not listen to exactly what you want to listen to all the time?

7. Hulu.com (launched 2007)
Hulu provides legal copies of tv shows and movies online all the time for free! There is a Hulu desktop application that may change the way we watch TV. If you missed your favorite show, you can visit Hulu.com and see an index with several episodes. Hulu is a joint venture between a private equity investment firm, Hulu employees, and several networks including NBC Universal (General Electric), Fox Entertainment Group (NewsCorp) ,and ABC (Walt Disney). Hulu is made in the USA and only offered in the USA currently. This is one of my favorite websites. They also offer classic shows that are no longer on TV in addition to the growing selection of movies.

8. The Redbox DVD vending machine (launched 2004)
You can purchase candy from a vending machine. You can purchase soda from a vending machine. There are vending machines for almost everything you can imagine. Why not offer DVD rentals from one? Redbox DVD rental machines are now everywhere. They are conveniently located in WalMart, at Walgreen’s, McDonalds and other places. How have they begun to trump the competition? It only cost a dollar to rent movies and new releases are added every Tuesday. I haven’t been back to Blockbuster, Hollywood video or used Netflix since I discovered these Redbox rental machines. There are other DVD kiosk renting companies, but Redbox is the leader of the pack. I like the idea that once you rent a movie, you can return it to any Redbox!

Which invention on this list do you think had the most impact in the first decade of the 21st century? Write a comment and let us know…

The Nintendo DS (handheld game system) was very successful, often outselling the Playstation Portable game system, but they were losing in the game console  market.   Nintendo once owned this market until Sony entered the picture.

The team worked hard to create new technology. Nintendo engineered the best interactive game system ever to retaliate.  Enter the brilliantly designed Nintendo Wii.

This console bridged the gap between virtual reality and true reality by providing controllers that actually allowed for the game to be truly interactive.  Anticipation of the Wii was overwhelming.  Nintendo took the holiday season by storm in 2006, selling out in stores across the country. Nintendo was back on top and dominated the market for three years. Even though it was the highest priced console on the market, it sold in staggering numbers.

Now the tide is beginning to turn again for Nintendo.  Their sales numbers are falling dramatically and they are scrambling to find ways to recover.  The third quarter was not good for  them.  The economy seems to have effected the Wii’s sales.  If there is any indication of a dwindling economy, the Nintendo Wii losing sales can serve as a gauge.

They are not expected to lower the price on the console although their competitor Sony has done so.  I believe that Nintendo will still do well this holiday season with the Wii however.  They have many games, such as Wii sports, that are still in high demand.

The iPhone is more than a telephone and a multi media hand held device, it represents the best in innovation. The iPhone changed the world of mobile phones by combining interactivity and the ability to perform many office functions on the go. One of the best qualities of the iPhone has been the touch screen. This technology has allowed for the iPhone to create an interactive experience for its users. This in itself has been attractive to business owners, including myself. I never had the opportunity to own one however because it is an AT&T wireless exclusive product.

I was jealous, envious, and frustrated that everyone else could experience the latest in technology but I was unable to. These feelings have subsided since my acquisition of the Blackberry Storm. Blackberry telephones have been highly regarded as the business phone for executives and individuals on the go. They were the first devices giving users access to email on the go and they kinda set the standard. Blackberry has lacked the entertainment component of other phones however. iPhone came on the scene and began to gather marketshare because of this. The iPhone became a combination of the blackberry model and the mobile media player (which Apple also revolutionized).

I’ve always owned a smart phone of some sort from windows mobile and palm devices to Blackberrys. The blackberry has been my phone of choice for the past three years because of the ease of use and the way it allowed me to stay connected away from the office. The iPhone almost made me switch platforms. I believe RIM listened to their users and realized they had to make changes to keep customers on their platform.

Enter the Blackberry Storm…How is the Blackberry Storm going to take the marketshare back? The Storm combines the typical business functionality blackberry is known for, but also takes the iPhone model of entertainment and interactivity into account. Seriously, who would have ever imagined a touch screen blackberry! Although there are more developers and applications for the iPhone, the Storm allows for the installation of some of the best applications iPhone has to offer, such as Pandora.

The iPhone still has the upperhand in the area of applications, but I personally believe as an all around business phone, more people are going to consider the Storm, especially dedicated Blackberry users. There is a complaint that the iPhone has WIFI and the Storm doesn’t, but the new model of the Storm will have it included. I have mixed feelings on WIFI on a cell phone, after all it is a mobile phone!

All in all the Storm will become the best competition for the iPhone. Many believe the Palm Pre should be in this argument, but I do not believe it will have the longevity of the iPhone or the Storm because they are built on reliable brands with better innovative ideas. As more applications become compatible with the Storm, many individuals may switch back from iPhones to Blackberry.

Many Hybrid vehicle engines represent a combination of electric components and traditional gas engine components. A lot of hybrids are actually still gas powered vehicles with an electric option. Although these vehicles greatly reduce the need for foreign oil, they do not end that need. There is a balance between what is environmentally conscious and what is important to the American economy.

What are the alternatives? Natural gas represents some of the best things hybrid vehicles have to offer with the reduction of American dependency on foreign oil. According to NaturalGas.org,”

Natural gas is the cleanest of all the fossil fuels. Composed primarily of methane, the main products of the combustion of natural gas are carbon dioxide and water vapor, the same compounds we exhale when we breathe. Coal and oil are composed of much more complex molecules, with a higher carbon ratio and higher nitrogen and sulfur contents. This means that when combusted, coal and oil release higher levels of harmful emissions, including a higher ratio of carbon emissions, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Coal and fuel oil also release ash particles into the environment, substances that do not burn but instead are carried into the atmosphere and contribute to pollution. The combustion of natural gas, on the other hand, releases very small amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, virtually no ash or particulate matter, and lower levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other reactive hydrocarbons.”

Does natural gas actually represent innovation and self sufficiency for the future of the American auto industry? Traditional gas (found at gas stations) is actually made from crude oil (petroleum). America only contains roughly 3% of the world’s oil reserves according to most sources. Americans consume however 25% of the world’s oil. Natural gas is not a renewable resource, but America contains many more natural gas reserves in the ground than crude oil. Estimates by the Energy Information Administration suggest there are 283 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the ground in America.

Hybrid vehicles represent great innovation, but natural gas vehicles may provide us with more clean options for transportation in this country. Natural gas is an alternative all around energy source. Why aren’t more people exploring ways to use this resource? Good question!

The reality is electric cars were the first automobiles over 100 years ago. In the early 20th century, electric cars made up the majority of the car sales market. Around 1888, Karl Benz began to produce the first gasoline powered automobiles. Benz is the founder of Mercedes Benz. The early 1900s is when the gas powered car began its rise to power. Gas powered vehicles were viewed in those times as superior technology. Really?!!

Consequently, now everyone wants to build electric cars again?! I wonder if this is going to be a trend or actually a shift in habits. Toyota and Honda began in the late 90s making these hybrid vehicles. Ford and GM are presenting their hybrid vehicles that lean more towards electric than gasoline. Technology is moving forward in reverse. Sometimes innovation involves the simplest elements. This is a move in the right direction for all of the automakers.

Is it going to be a trend or a true move towards making environmentally conscious automobiles?

The American automakers have built a reputation building big cars that are reliable for about the first three years and reliable trucks that are not fuel efficient. It seems like they couldn’t get two things to match. The sub par parts and mechanics of American made cars tended to begin breaking down, costing more than foreign imports such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan the longer the consumer owned the vehicle. GM, FORD, and Chrysler have also been challenged in the area of design often creating vehicles that at best looked average, unless you were purchasing a truck.

Americans like SUVs and trucks, so the automakers focused more on perfecting these type of vehicles. The problem now is gas prices are higher on average than they were at the beginning of the SUV boom and fuel efficiency is becoming more and more regulated by the federal government. As a result, GM and Chrysler had to file for reconstruction bankruptcy and Ford’s sales went down.

Chevrolet is producing a vehicle that boasts it can get 230 miles to the gallon.

The automakers had begun to repent for their sins by building more reliable, beautifully designed automobiles in recent years, but the damage had already been done. Toyota and Honda began the hybrid revolution way before it was popular and now the American automakers are playing catch up. One of the CEO’s even said in so many words,”we are going to begin to build cars that don’t suck,” after filing for bankruptcy. I believe in supporting American automakers, but I also believe they must respect the American consumer by offering the best.

Having said that, I am proud of their turn around. Ford and GM have begun to create hybrid vehicles that are sleekly styled, reliable and fuel efficient. Although these vehicles could be more economical, the automakers are taking a step in the right direction. I like to drive trucks and the ideal of a hybrid Tahoe is downright exciting to me. It is my goal to own one in the future. Chevrolet is producing a vehicle that boasts it can get 230 miles to the gallon. It is a hybrid electric vehicle called the Chevrolet Volt. The Volt is expected to reach the sales floor in November of 2010.

The Volt is estimated to cost around $40,000. If this is any indication of what the new GM and Ford will look like, maybe Toyota, Honda and other foreign car makers need to keep a watchful eye.

Pickens, a self made millionaire and Republican historically, put party affiliation aside to promote what he feels is best for the future of the country he loves. The environment is not exactly something that is at the forefront of the Republican agenda. T. Boone Pickens and his plan for alternative forms of energy just may be his greatest legacy to date.

According to his website PickensPlan.com,

“In 1970, we imported 24% of our oil.
Today, it’s more than 65% and growing….we spent $475 billion on foreign oil in 2008 alone.”

On both sides of the political spectrum their are arguments against dependency on foreign oil. President Bush talked about and now President Obama is talking about it. Why aren’t more people listening to Mr. Pickens? His plan outlines something we rarely see in Washington, clearly defined solutions.

Here is an in-depth description of his plan from his website…

“The Plan calls for building new wind generation facilities that will produce 20% of our nation’s electricity while using our abundant domestic natural gas supply as a transportation fuel as well as for power generation. The combination of these domestic energies can replace more than one-third of our foreign oil imports. And we can do it all in 10 years.”

For more information on The Pickens Plan visit www.PickensPlan.com.

Can a church operate over the internet without having a physical location? These questions have already been answered by the tremendous popularity many churches are gaining daily through blogs, streaming sermons, and online donations. A church without a website is like a church with out pews nowadays. Some churches have supporters that have never physically visited because of their innovative web strategies. Members like the ability to pay offering and tithes online, view upcoming events, send an email to staff and watch services online as well. This is the new trend. The marriage of technology and religion. They are no longer the odd couple.

Is there going to be a time, in the near future, when members can sit at home and worship together via webcam? Why not start a tech church?

Many networks realized there were people like me and began to offer shows online. This was a good move on their part, but it still was not enough. It still required me to go to several channels to view my favorite shows. I would often wonder what would happen if every show I missed was in the same place….hmmmm.

Well, enter Hulu.com. They heard my thoughts and turned them into reality. Hulu.com offers several shows from several networks all in one place. Hulu.com also offers movies online and all of this free of charge! This is one of my new favorite places online. When you get a chance, visit Hulu.com. They are constantly adding new content to the site. I am just thankful that I can watch my favorite shows online.